When the three-row Kia EV9 was revealed, we were impressed by how closely this production model stuck to the Concept EV9’s design. Now, we have the equally bold but smaller Concept EV5 to look forward to, and if it goes down the same path as its larger sibling, the production model will look very much like the concept you see here.

The EV5’s name suggests it will be a compact crossover to slot in below the EV6, and it differs from that model with its more upright stance. The EV5’s positioning should see it compete with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Toyota bZ4X. The E-GMP platform that underpins other electric Kias and Hyundais will likely feature here, so we expect fast charging and a competitive range to go along with the trendy styling. Here’s what we know, so far.

We only know that the latest Kia EV will be coming out in China later in 2023, with Kia America telling us it has “made no official announcement regarding the EV5.” That leaves the door open for a future launch in the USA, and why not? The market needs more affordable electric crossovers, and this one would be perfect. We expect the local release date for the new Kia EV5 SUV to be sometime in 2024, when it will hopefully arrive as a 2025 model.

The price of the 2025 Kia EV5 is unconfirmed, but considering that the EV6 begins at $48,700, we anticipate that the EV5 will cost between $43,000 – $45,000. If the Hyundai Motor Group can successfully get EV production up and running in the USA by the time the EV5 arrives, it should qualify for tax credits under the new Inflation Reduction Act, and at this price point, that would be crucial.

Rivals include the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4, while a range-topping EV5 could get closer to Tesla Model Y territory. The ID.4 is the only one of these with a sub-$40,000 MSRP, but it’s not the most exciting electric crossover in this group.

Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy is said to celebrate “the creative tension formed from the fusion of often seemingly contrasting visual influences of nature and modernity.” If that sounds like marketing malarkey and nothing more, the good news is that the exterior of the Kia EV5 is another winning design.

In profile, the 2025 EV5 has an almost Lego-like form that conveys both playfulness and solidity, but it’s the inventive details that will get the neighbors talking. In front, a new Digital Tiger Face comes with the Kia Star Map signature lighting technology. The digital lighting creates a flowing pattern that continues along the sides of the EV5, but this is the kind of feature that could be binned for the production model.

The Concept EV5 has 21-inch wheels, distinctive squared-off fenders and a roof spoiler that contributes to superior aerodynamics. Rear-hinged suicide doors create a wide-open space to enter or exit the vehicle, but the production model should get conventional rear doors. At the back, the lighting signature wraps around the Kia logo and tailgate, but as with the rest of the car, the surfacing is very clean. While we don’t know what all the Kia EV5 colors will be, the concept pictured here has an attractive Iceberg Matte Green finish.

The dimensions of the Kia EV5 were not disclosed, but based purely on the pictures, it appears to be shorter than the EV6, although it will likely stand taller. For reference, the EV6 has a length of 184.3 inches, a width of 74 inches, and a height of 60.8 inches. We expect the EV5’s height to be closer to the 65.4 inches of the Sportage, since the EV6 has dimensions more akin to a spacious hatchback.

As with the EV6, the EV5 is likely to have a curb weight of over 4,000 pounds.

Kia has not provided any specifics related to the EV5’s powertrain, but we’d be surprised if it did not adopt the E-GMP platform shared with other Hyundai and Kia EVs. E-GMP supports both rear- and all-wheel-drive setups, and can accommodate both single and dual electric motors.

The RWD Kia EV6 makes 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, so this could be the same specs for the base EV5. With AWD and dual motors, outputs could be up to 320 hp and 446 lb-ft. However, as the EV5 will presumably have a lower price, it could be downtuned to put some daylight between it and the EV6. A less powerful EV6 with 167 hp used to be available, and this seems like a feasible starting point for the EV5.

If a 320-hp version is available, the 0-60 time in the EV5 could be close to five seconds. A high-performance GT model like the EV6 GT (576 hp) seems less likely for the EV5, but we wouldn’t rule it out.

Once again, we can look to the EV6 for an idea of what to expect from the EV5. The EV6 has a 77.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, and 800-volt architecture that supports fast charging of up to 350 kW. In the EV6, charging at this rate can add 70 miles of range in only five minutes or 217 miles in 18 minutes.

The EV6 has a maximum range of up to 310 miles, so we expect a similar result from the EV5.

As with the Concept EV9, the Concept EV5’s cabin is a clutter-free environment that serves as a blank canvas for maximum seating flexibility. The concept has two traditional seating rows, and front/rear individual seats that can twist to face the outside of the car, providing a perfect vantage point from which to watch the sunset since there is no B-pillar. Another shot shows a rear-facing bench with a table, where occupants can sit for a view out of the open tailgate, so it’s possible that a third row will feature.

The seats in the production Kia EV5 are unlikely to have as many configurations as in the ceoncept, but the flat floor from the dedicated EV platform should provide plenty of space for occupants in each row. In the concept, plant-based materials are used, including seaweed extract and upcycled PET bottles, for elements like the dashboard, headliner, and seats. Kia also points out that animal leather has been avoided.

Not much has been said about interior tech, but the Kia Concept EV5 has an expansive wide screen ahead of the driver. There are virtually no buttons anywhere, and instead of individual front footwells, there is a flat, open floor space for those in front. The steering wheel has an unorthodox shape that is nearly rectangular.

We don’t know how much cargo space the Kia EV5 will have inside, but there should be more than enough packing space behind the second row for an average small family’s daily needs.